Lava River Cave, Flagstaff AZ

Real hidden gem! This is quite a unique geological formation. I personally didn't hike all the way to the end but I enjoyed it immensely.
It's a short walk from the parking lot and you can feel the blast of cool air coming out of the cave opening. Quite a significant temperature difference.
The drive to get to the cave was an experience of its own. Over a couple miles of unpaved dirt road littered with potholes and uneven terrain. Was a fun off-roading adventure.
Don't count on cellphone service on the road, and make sure to to bring a flashlight (preferably a headlamp) for the cave hike as it's extremely dark.

Excellent fun hike. Of course wear good hiking shoes, bring more than 1 flashlight, wear light jacket as it cools a little in the beginning but personally I had to take off my sweater to cool down a little. A lot of climbing to get in and out of entrance, but smooths out somewhat as you go in deeper, still very rocky small and big rocks, but very very enjoyable!

Fun adventure hike. Pack a picnic, headlamp and a sweatshirt. Go in off Route 66 and it's an easy drive back, just follow the signs.

Great fun for a family with kids. Fun adventure. Treacherous terrain, so be careful. I'd say people with poor mobility (elderly and kids four or under) should not attempt the first 100 meters without strong assistance. Very easy to fall and get hurt.

But otherwise a fun event for a family. Overall I rate it a 4-star, but only because there are no stalagmites and crazy mineral colors. Recommended.

We took our 4 pitties down with us and they loved it. People loved stopping to pet them and loved how we take our dogs on adventures we love this side of town and the woods it's a really great place to see deer and cows. Will come back.

I’m torn by this. The cave itself was interesting. It was difficult to get into due to all the rocks you’re climbing over to get in and once you’re in the ground doesn’t level off for a bit. Wearing a headlamp would definitely help and free up your hand from holding a light. It’s just what you’d expect a cave to be once inside. Didn’t go all the way back because I got a bit claustrophobic not being able to see the light but went a good ways. You are driving down a bumpy potholed road to get to the entrance but the mini van we rented got us there.

Great cave! A small but if rough scramble at the start. Then it smooths out and opens up a bit. Really cool lava flow structures, cool air that didn't feel stale. Completely with the detour!

Nice place. It's hard to notice from road. The cave is really huge and difficult. Definittely bring the headlights with you. There's a lot of stones inside and they're sharp so be carefull.

I suggest a 4wd to get there. Muddy Dirt road full of pot holes to get there. I really enjoyed this cave. Super easy to get in and out. Just be careful after a rain or snow since it can be slippery. Amazing to see the cooled lava.

Very fun and exciting just make sure that you are in good shape to climb crawl twist and turn and make sure that you have on a good jacket to keep you warm it gets cool in there and a strong flashlight.

I dislike giving 4-stars but, it was a small and uneventful cave in comparison to another one that I've been to. It's something to do in town and you may even see cattle on the way in. It's not a must-do, but it's always an option. Only little over an hour to complete the entire thing and back to the car.

Fun place for all ages. Bring Sturdy Shoes. A headlamp (two free hand help better navigate). Starts off scrambling down hill, then get moderately flat ish.when you come to the split go left for an easier time. Right is extremely low and challenging. Overall a fun time on a rainy day.

This was a highlight of our Arizona trip. My kids ages seven to ten and my husband went down into the cave. We only had one headlamp and one flashlight. I wish we would’ve brought more. One for each kid would’ve been better. My five year old and two year old stayed back with me. They wouldn’t have been able to do it and I didn’t have sturdy enough shoes anyway. The 1/10 mile walk back to the cave is gorgeous and our youngest children were totally occupied on the rocks around the cave entrance.

This is an excellent place to explore. Beautiful sunsets. Right outside the cave there is an informational plaque. I'd recommend sturdy shoes you don't mind getting a good beating. I would not recommend dogs going in due to the large sharp and step rocks. It can get quite busy. A lot of kids yelling with little parental control.

Good place to visit if you are young and fit. 1 mile long inside with narrow openings. 34-46 degrees inside year round. You must register at entrance before going in and follow rules. Nit good for kids-elderly-handicapped unless you stay outside.

This is a fun but challenging underground hike. According to the sign it is 3/4 mile out and then you have to hike back (so 1 1/2 miles round trip). The first part of the descent into the cave is probably the hardest and then it is pretty level after that. There are no rangers here so climb/hike at your own risk. Make sure you have a fully charged headlamp because you are better off having your hands free to help navigate the rocks. The drive out to the cave is on a dirt road but our Prius did just fine on the road.

Great fun! Be prepared with a flashlight. Preferably a headlamp so you can be hands free to better maneuver over and around large rocks. Gloves would be helpful.

I've had a blast going through this cave. Only thing I didn't like was all the trash that it's inside, come on people I think we can do better than that.

Cool, literally! Would not bring young children or elderly.road to the hole is long and rutted, boulders and slippery rock for the first few hundred yards into the cave. Bring a head lamp!

Definitely cold.went in mid September. Bring water bottle, good hiking shoes or sneakers with tread, bright light and spare battery in case.